How to Weather the Storm: Top Tips for Improving Personal Resiliency

May 20, 2020

Monique Binkley Smith

During tough times, the ability to bounce back from hardship comes in handy. But what if mental resiliency is not someone’s strong suit?

Urmi Patel, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and director of clinical care for Sutter Mental Health and Addiction Care, defines resilience as “the ability to cope mentally and emotionally with trauma or difficulty, and quickly get back to a state of equilibrium.” And the good news is, according to Dr. Patel, “In general, people have the ability to grow their resilience. It’s not an innate capability, it can develop.”

So how does one develop more personal resiliency? In a recent San Francisco Chronicle article, “Resilience: 15 ways to weather life’s challenges,” Dr. Patel offers her top tips for improving one’s ability to bounce back from adversity.

Additional Resources:

People who feel their emotional condition is serious should call their doctor or go to Mental Health America’s website, which offers tips and resources for people who feel stressed, anxious or depressed.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7: (800) 273-8255

TrevorLifeline for LGBTQ Youth in Crisis 24/7: (866) 488-7386

California Peer-Run Warm Line 24/7 for Californians Needing Emotional Support: (855) 845-7415

Health Topics

Recent Articles

Hundreds of runners fill the streets for a marathon in the early morning hours

Training for Long Runs? How to Manage Those Aches, Pains

With the California International Marathon being held in Sacramento on Dec. 8, Vitals will publish a series of three stories that offer tips on running long distances and competing in marathons with expert information from orthopedic specialists affiliated with...

Sury Maturi, a father and husband, and his wife smiling.

Community Health Patient Experience & Engagement Patient Stories z_Hero Image 1

Sury’s Story: Managing Diabetes with Walks and Family Support

Can you imagine having to inject yourself with insulin for the rest of your life? Well, that was the scenario Sury Maturi, a father and husband, faced after receiving some shocking news from his doctor. "In June 2010 I got my wakeup call," says Maturi. "My...

Innovation & Technology Press Releases & Statements z_Editor's Pick

$12M Gift Fuels Transplant Innovation at CPMC

Photo Caption: (Left to Right) Dr. Casey Ward, Lynne Bosworth, Kevin Kranzusch and Dr. Jennifer Guy | Photo credit: Alain McLaughlin Sutter Health Receives $12 Million Gift from Kevin Kranzusch and Lynne Bosworth to Drive Innovation in Transplant Care at CPMC SAN...

Team of medical researchers in lab and wearing lab coats and surgical masks

Awards & Recognitions Research & Clinical Trials z_Editor's Pick

Physicians, Scientists Champion New Knowledge to Inform Wellness

Results of a survey released this month by the Pew Research Center suggest that, despite a slight increase in trust, scientists continue to face challenges regaining public engagement after the COVID-19 pandemic. Given these findings, physician-researchers across...